Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala closes parliament [1]
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 16:09. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The closure of the 2011-2012 session of the Tongan Parliament was a historical occasion, it was Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala's first official duty, since he became Crown Prince in early April, and the occasion was the closure of the first year in office of a new government and a new parliament, under a new system to government.
Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala was accompanied by Noble Vaha'i and Noble Nuku to parliament, to read out a message from the throne by His Majesty King Tupou VI.
Closing parliament Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala. Behind him are Lord Vaha'i, left, and Lord Nuku, right.
The soft closure of parliament took less than 15 minutes. It was a sombre occasion, befitting that the Royal Family is still grieving the death of late king, HM King George Tupou V on March 18.
The occasion was very solemn, no music or laughter, except for the Police Brass Band playing the national anthem.
In attendance were only the members of parliament, their spouses and the parliament office staff.